Notebook squaring apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for selectively bracing and squaring opposite covers of a notebook includes a portion associated with an inner surface of one notebook cover and a connector associated with an inner surface of an opposite cover. When the connector and unfolded brace are attached to one another, the notebook is held in a generally square configuration wherein the opposing covers are disposed generally parallel to one another.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A binder, comprising: a first cover, a second cover, and a spine;
 a brace having a first section attached to an inner surface of the first cover, a second section pivotally attached to the first section, and a third section pivotally attached to the second section opposite the first section; 
 a connector attached to an inner surface of the second cover; 
 connection means for detachably connecting the third section of the brace to the connector; and 
 retaining means for retaining the brace in a folded and flat state on the inner surface of the first cover. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the retaining means includes detachable connectors for detachably securing the first section of the brace to the second section of the brace. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the retaining means comprises a hook and loop fastener, a magnet and/or a snap. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the connection means comprises a hook and loop fastener, a magnet and/or a snap. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein a width dimension of the second section of the brace generally corresponds with a width dimension of the spine of the notebook or binder. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first section is non-removably attached to the inner surface of the first cover, including an adhesive strip for adhering the connector to the second cover. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 1 , including an adhesive strip for adhering the connector to the second cover. 
     
     
       8. A binder, comprising: a first cover, a second cover, and a spine;
 a brace having a first section attached to an inner surface of the first cover, a second section pivotally attached to the first section, and a third section pivotally attached to the second section opposite the first section, wherein an adhesive strip adheres the first section to the first cover; 
 a connector attached to an inner surface of the second cover, wherein an adhesive adheres the connector to the second cover; 
 connection means for detachably connecting the third section of the brace to the connector, wherein the connection means comprises a hook and loop fastener, a magnet and/or a snap; and 
 retaining means for retaining the brace in a folded and flat state on the inner surface of the first cover, wherein the retaining means includes detachable connectors for detachably securing the first section of the brace to the second section of the brace. 
 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein a width dimension of the second section of the brace generally corresponds with a width dimension of the spine of the notebook or binder. 
     
     
       10. The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the retaining means comprises a hook and loop fastener, a magnet and/or a snap.